The Wild has reportedly found its next general manager in Bill Guerin, according to NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes.
*Breaking News* From what I’m told, @mnwild are close to naming Bill Guerin their new General Manager.
He’s had the chance to work with two greats in Mario Lemieux and Jimmy Rutherford during his front office work with the @penguins .@NHL @NHLNetwork #HockeyTwitter— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) August 21, 2019
Michael Russo of The Athletic writes that (paywall) Guerin will sign his contract Wednesday and could be introduced by the Wild on Thursday.
Guerin, a decorated former NHL player, has spent the past eight years in the Pittsburgh Penguins front office, serving as the team’s assistant general manager for the past five seasons.
He also ran player development for the Penguins from 2011-14 and was involved in developing the team’s analytics department.
Minnesota also interviewed Guerin last year before deciding on Paul Fenton, who was eventually fired after just 14 months on the job.
Guerin, 48, will be the fourth general manager in team history. He spent 18 seasons in the NHL, scoring 429 goals and 856 points while playing with the Devils, Oilers, Stars, Bruins, Islanders, Penguins, Blues and Sharks.
Owner Craig Leipold, team President Matt Majka and recent front office hire Mike Modano were part of the search committee who made the hire, according to reports.
Other GM candidates were reportedly Ron Hextall, Brain Lawton, Peter Chiarelli and Tom Fitzgerald, among others, according to Russo.
The Wild opens the regular season on Oct. 3 in Nashville against the Predators.
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